Silver Chalice (2)

METALWORK, BYZANTINE; Syria, 6-7th century. no control marks.; Cleveland Museum acc. no. 50.379 neg. no. 25060; Gal. 1; North Wall; THREE CHALICES; Silver, without control marks; Byzantium, Syria, 6th-7th century; PURCHASE FROM THE J. H. WADE FUND; 50.378 - 50.380; This treasure was formerly dated before 434 on the basis of a study by Professor Louis Brehier (1951). A different and more recent reading of the inscriptions by Glanville Downey (1953) and a new interpretation of the style supports a 6th-7th- century dating. In any case, the three chalices are among the largest and most imposing examples of early ecclesiastical altar furniture known at the present time. They are decorated with medallion busts of Christ, the apostles Peter and Paul, and Ecclesia. The Greek inscription on the central chalice reads: KYRIAKOS; PRESBYTER, SON OF DOMNOS, TO ST. SERGIUS AT THE TIME OF THE; PRESBYTER ZENO. (over) There is no proof that the chalices came from the Church of St. Sergius at Rosafa, as Brehier believed. The Paten (50.381), formerly thought to be part of the same treasure, is shown nearby.